Global Experiences
Togo’s Ambassador and Delegation Visit Bowie State University
A major highlight of the academic year was the visit of the ambassador of Togo, Honorable Frédéric Edem Hegbe, and his delegation during International Education Week 2024. The visit featured traditional Togolese cuisine, cultural artifacts and conversations that gave the campus community a firsthand experience of Togo’s heritage and traditions.
The delegation’s participation also advanced a developing partnership between Bowie State University and the Embassy of Togo in Washington, D.C.
Discussions focused on creating pathways for prospective Togolese students to study at Bowie State and expanding study abroad opportunities for Bowie State students in Togo. The ambassador’s presence reinforced the university’s growing profile in international collaboration and supported future opportunities for bilateral engagement.
This diplomatic visit demonstrated Bowie State’s commitment to global connection and positioned the university as an emerging partner for international academic and cultural exchange.
Dr. Sumanth Reddy’s Semester at Sea: A Transformative Teaching Voyage
Dr. Sumanth G. Reddy, an assistant professor of geography at Bowie State University, has long been a proponent of experiential learning. In fall 2024, he transformed this belief into action by embarking on a global teaching voyage with the Semester at Sea program, a dream he had nurtured for 25 years. Accompanied by his two sons, Dr. Reddy spent over three months sailing across the world's oceans, integrating classroom instruction with real-world exploration. The voyage included more than 500 students, 30 faculty members and 60 staff from various U.S. universities, traveling to more than 10 countries and covering 18,000 miles.
"Teaching while traveling offers an unparalleled opportunity to bring academic concepts to life," Dr. Reddy said. "It allows both educators and students to engage deeply with diverse cultures and environments, fostering a holistic learning experience."
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Reddy founded the Bowie State Outdoor Club, aiming to connect students with nature and provide alternative recreational activities. The club has organized hiking, fishing, rock-climbing and hunting trips, including a notable 10-day camping and hiking expedition through five national parks in the Rocky Mountains and the American Southwest. Additionally, Dr. Reddy has led short-term study abroad trips to China, London, Ghana and Panama.
"Our goal is to inspire students, especially those who may not have had prior exposure to such environments, to appreciate and engage with the outdoors," Dr. Reddy explained. "These experiences can be transformative, fostering personal growth and a sense of adventure."
His recent voyage with Semester at Sea further exemplifies his belief in the value of global education.
New Hispanic Student Association Launched at Bowie State
The Hispanic Student Association (HSA) at Bowie State University, launched this semester by Ingrid Portillo, is fostering unity and collaboration on campus by welcoming students from all backgrounds while focusing on education, service and bridging cultural gaps.
“The HSA club has 90 members and we’re already bringing many communities and cultures together,”Portillo shared. “We are clear on educating everyone about Hispanic culture and what it really means to be Hispanic.”
Throughout the year, HSA will host a variety of events aimed at both education and community building. One of their recent initiatives focused on civic engagement.
“We had a voter education event where we talked about the importance of voting as a Hispanic community and as minorities as a whole,” said Portillo. These events reflect the club’s commitment to empowerment through education and action.”
HSA’s leadership team reflects its dedication to intersectionality, with members from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
“Our secretary is Afro-Latinx, so that intersectionality is very important to us,” Portillo said, highlighting how cultural connections between Hispanic and Black communities have historically supported each other.
Clairefontaine International University Strengthens Ties Through Dual Immersion Visits
In spring 2025, Bowie State University welcomed two delegations from Clairefontaine International University for academic and cultural immersion experiences that further advanced a developing institutional partnership. Through both visits, Clairefontaine students and faculty explored Bowie State’s academic programs and campus culture while building meaningful connections with administrators, faculty and student leaders.
The delegations participated in admissions and academic overview sessions, observed classes, toured research labs and makerspaces, and engaged with faculty in business, history and government, natural sciences, mathematics, computer science, and communication. Hands-on activities included mock radio and television segments, demonstrations in computer science labs, and visits to entrepreneurship and innovation spaces.
Reflective sessions during each visit highlighted opportunities for future collaboration, including joint programming and summer initiatives. The partnership’s growing impact was evident when two Clairefontaine students applied for admission to the fall 2025 semester after their time on campus. These visits laid a strong foundation for expanded engagement between the institutions and demonstrated Bowie State’s increasing visibility as a global academic partner.
Bowie State Women's Volleyball Hosts Successful Clinic in the Bahamas
In partnership with the Grand Bahama Volleyball Association and Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture, head women's volleyball coach Edric Poitier and members of the Bulldogs volleyball team concluded a successful week of camp in Freeport, Bahamas on June 24-28. The first-ever camp was a fundamental camp led by Poitier, but included BSU student-athletes from the women's volleyball team as well as boys and girls around the nearby area of varying ages. "It has been an immense pleasure giving back to the sport and the community where I actually began my coaching journey 43 years ago," said Poitier. "I'm so grateful for the opportunity and I am excited about the level of interest in the sport on the islands of Grand Bahama and Abaco. The associations are doing an excellent job in the development of both girls and boys volleyball, and I pledge to help them continue the journey. I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the BSU players who volunteered their time as well as give back to the community in need, who are trying to rebuild mentally after so many devastating hurricanes over the last few years. Looking forward to working together with them again next summer!"
The camp was designed by Coach Poitier as an opportunity for the participating boys and girls to learn and develop fundamental volleyball skills through fun, fast-paced drills and games run by experienced local coaches and BSU student-athletes.
Four Bulldogs to Compete in International Tournament in Botswana
Members of the Bowie State women’s volleyball team — Nina Edards, Taylor Johnson, Trinity Loundmon, and Nicole Taylor — competed in the second annual Ditsala International Cup, which took place in Gaborone, Botswana. The tournament, hosted by Bring It Promotions (BIP) and the Botswana Volleyball Federation, brought together collegiate student-athletes from the United States and national teams from across Southern Africa. It served as a premier women’s volleyball event focused on elite-level competition while supporting the growth of the sport in the region.
The 2025 edition of the Ditsala International Cup featured a historic presence from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Two teams were composed of student-athletes from eight HBCUs. This participation highlighted a continued commitment to expanding international opportunities and global exposure for HBCU student-athletes in collegiate volleyball.
The tournament marked the first leg of a three-country African tour that also included youth clinics, coaching workshops, cultural excursions, and diplomatic engagement at the U.S. Embassy in Botswana, underscoring the role of athletics in cultural exchange and sports diplomacy.
"This is a game-changing moment for these young women," said Dr. Ingrid Wicker McCree, CEO and founder of WM Leadership & Legacy Coaching, which helps prepare young leaders and executives for career success. "For many, it's their debut on the international stage, and the opportunity to showcase their talents while representing their universities, communities and HBCU athletics worldwide is incredibly exciting."
International Student Association Hosts Annual Gala
The International Student Association hosted its annual gala event on December 6, 2024, bringing together students, campus leaders and members of the university community to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Bowie State University’s international student population. The evening featured a DJ, a master of ceremonies, international cuisine and remarks from university leaders, including the provost, the vice president for enrollment management and the director of the Office of International Education & Student Services.
The event highlighted the diversity of Bowie State’s international student body, which includes more than 200 students representing 34 countries. Several students were recognized with certificates of appreciation in categories such as academic excellence, community service, leadership and campus involvement. The celebration also included a special acknowledgment of the outgoing ISA president for their service and leadership throughout the year.
